YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — Amidst the iconic and majestic landmarks of Yosemite National Park, like Half Dome and the park's spectacular water falls, is an uneasiness. An uneasiness put there by the federal government shutdown, now going on day 13.
Visitors continue to arrive, but it's not business as usual in Yosemite Valley. Limited staffing means park rangers are few and far between. In addition, the park said that many bathroom facilities are closed because of the "resulting impacts from human waste."
Because of the restroom closures, the park says the Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy, Hodgon Meadow and Wawona campgrounds, as well as snow play areas at Crane Flat and Goat Meadow, are closed. That means the trails in that area are also closed to visitors.
Several reports of garbage piling-up in some locations around Yosemite were behind ABC10 Reporter Kurt Rivera's visit to the park. But when he arrived, the rumors did not seem to be true. And, most visitors he spoke with were still thrilled as ever to be there
"It was outstanding. The park was clean, accommodations were OK and we had a great time," said Carl McClaflin, visiting with his wife Sylvia.
The couple from Fairfield stayed two days at a park hotel. They also brought their son, his wife and the grandchildren from Brentwood.
"It was really fun. Every time I come there is always something new," said 11-year-old Izzy Tognolini.
People coming to the park were surprised they got into the park for free at some entrances. At this time there was no staffing at the Highway 120 Big Oak Flat entrance.
There are several campgrounds still open.However, the park says they are understaffed and reservations will not be honored. Visitor Centers and the Museum are also closed.
If you enter from Highway 41, there is limited access from the South Entrance to Badger Pass Road during the hours of highest visitation due to "continuing issues with human waste and resource damage."
Check ahead on the Yosemite National Park Facebook page or on its website for the latest information.
Two other national parks in the state have closed due to overflowing trash, human waste and other unsafe visitor conditions. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks said in a statement that they were shutting Wednesday evening and would likely stay closed for the duration of the government shutdown.
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